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Dont skip out on a ski helmet when packing for the mountain.
Credit:Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure
Ski helmets werent a thing when I graduated from ski school 30 years ago.
Ski helmets, or as I call them, brain buckets," protect our most important organ.
They also keep your head warm.
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Finally, theyre a fashion statement.
There are hundreds to choose from, all packed with different features.
Additionally, we chatted with Corey Popp, an alpine ski racing coach atMt.
Bachelorin Bend, Oregon, to get even more tips and tricks for buying a helmet.
They range in price from the budget-friendlyHolt helmetto theIcon helmet, a popular choice among alpine racers.
Smiths best-selling helmet, however, is theVantage Mips.
It also has a patentedKoroyd technologythat is designed to absorb energy upon impact.
Color and comfort-wise, you cant go wrong with theLiberty Mips.
Its available in more colors like purple and pink and features removable ear pads.
Personally, I own theTaggert Mips Snow Helmet, which has passive-aggressive venting, as they call it.
Its an entry-level Mips helmet that checks all the right boxes for beginner and intermediate skiers.
If you want even more bells and whistles, I recommend theTor Spherical Mips.
Style-wise, POC helmets tend to be more streamlined: think of the minimalistic approach Scandinavia is synonymous with.
That said, they usually come in more colors (up to 16) than their competitors.
TheObex BC Mipsis designed for the backcountry, but Popp uses it for resort skiing, too.
While the Obex BC Mips is a great option, theFornix BC Mipsis best for backcountry pursuits.
Then theres theNFC Medical ID from Twiceme.
No internet connection or cell phone service is required.
After doing a deep dive into Berns latest collection, the sleekHendrix Carbon Fiber Mipsis a great option.
Made in small batches by hand, this ultralight, scratch, and sun-resistant helmet weighs just 17.9 ounces.
Take out the removable liner, and its even lighter.
But the best part about the Hendrix is it can also beused for bikingand skateboarding.
In 2004 it acquired Anon Optics which currently makes 20 snow helmets.
WaveCel utilizes a internet of cells that are designed to absorb impact.
There are also a whopping 19 vents and it’s practically weightless while still feeling durable and sturdy.
The Prime features 23 adjustable vents, that can all be switched using just one hand.
If its too tight, youll get a headache.
The one thing you should always do is the shake test, advises Popp.
After putting the helmet on and tightening the chin strap, shake your head from side to side.
If the helmet moves separately from your head, its too big.
Generally speaking, the more features, the more expensive, and comfortable, the helmet.
Popp recommends staying away from cheap helmets without vents.
Some helmets have built-in Bluetooth speakers, but most have ear pads with pockets for AirPods and other earbuds.
Finally, always look atski gogglecompatibility.
Brands typically design their helmets to be most compatible with their goggles.
And some helmets, such as Anon, depend on size.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I replace my ski helmet?
Of course, if youre involved in a serious crash (i.e.
injuries are involved and the helmet is damaged),the CDC mandatesthat the helmet must be replaced.
What is a Mips helmet?
When a crash happens, the layer is designed to adjust to reduce the impact on the head.
Credit: Travel + Leisure
